10070105Electricity 1
Course Information
Description
This class begins with a discussion of the laws of electricity as they relate to the operation of the charging, starting and lighting systems. Diagnostic testing and troubleshooting will be demonstrated on alternators, starters and lighting systems. Methods of repair will be demonstrated where methods are currently used at the dealerships.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Demonstrate safe work habits when working on tractor and machine electrical systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Wear steel-toed shoes, safety glasses, long sleeved top, uniform type pants or jeans
    Clothing is not loose or ripped
    Jewelry does not interfere with shop tasks
    Hair is tied back to prevent accident with moving equipment
    Clear shop area for safely raising and supporting vehicle or equipment
    Identify safety items and hazards

  2. Explain fundamental electrical/electronic system principles
    Assessment Strategies
    Test
    Criteria
    Describe the basics of electron flow
    Define electricity, voltage, current, conductor, insulator, and semiconductor
    Explain resistance
    Explain voltage drop and its effect on a circuit
    Examine Ohm's Law
    Define electrical power

  3. Use a multi-meter (DVOM, DMM) to measure voltage, amperage, and resistance
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Recognize when multimeter battery has failed
    Test multimeter fuses
    Replace multimeter fuses
    Verify operation of any components disconnected from the circuit
    Measure available voltages with key off and engine off
    Measure available voltages with key on and engine off and all accessories off
    Use the Min/Max feature of multimeter to measure cranking voltage at the batteries
    Compare voltage measurements at the alternator and dash gauge reading with engine running
    Perform metric conversion for electrical quantities

  4. Investigate series, parallel, and series-parallel circuit laws and circuit faults
    Assessment Strategies
    Quiz and/or skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Compare characteristics of a series circuit, a parallel circuit, and series-parallel circuit
    Identify circuit fault name, definition, and at least two examples of each fault
    Predict changes in voltage, current, and resistance in a circuit

  5. Identify basic types of electrical system parts and components
    Assessment Strategies
    Test
    Criteria
    Identify electrical and lighting systems and their locations on tractors and self propelled vehicles
    Identify batteries, fuses, wires, switches, and light bulbs
    Explain the purpose of the components within an electrical circuit
    Use reference schematics, diagrams, components, and technical manuals

  6. Diagnose opens, shorts, grounds, and high resistance in a circuit
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Differentiate between opens, shorts, grounds, and high resistance in an electrical circuit
    Use diagnostic tools located in the shop

  7. Correlate electrical/electronic system principles and Ohm's Law to electrical circuits
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Calculate for voltage, amperage, and resistance using Ohm's Law
    Calculate for Watt's, H.P., and other simple electrical/electronic equations
    Use test tools to diagnose hydraulic system problems
    Conduct hydraulic testing
    Determine the results of the testing
    Safely disconnect test tools
    Return test equipment back to its storage location

  8. Maintain electrical/electronic system terminals, connectors, wire, and cable
    Assessment Strategies
    worksheet - wiring harness
    Skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Wire harness includes proper length wire
    Wire harness includes the correct selection of terminals for the gage (size) of wire
    Wire harness includes the correct gage (size) of wire
    Wire harness includes the correct amount of insulation stripped from wire
    Wire harness includes heat shrink where necessary
    Wire harness includes proper crimping of terminals to wire
    Wire harness withstands strength test
    Wire harness includes the proper type of protective loom
    Battery cable selection is the correct gage (size) for circuit requirements
    Battery cable selection is the correct length
    Battery cable has the proper amount of insulation removed
    Battery cable terminals are orientated before they are crimped
    Battery cable terminals are correct for the gage (size) of cable
    Battery cable terminals are correct diameter for their connection points
    Battery cable terminals are crimped using the correct crimping dies
    Battery cable has solder applied to inside of both terminal ends
    Battery cable includes adequate amount of heat shrink
    Battery cable includes heat shrink that has not been overheated
    Soldering repair includes the removal of the damaged selection of wire
    Soldering repair includes the placement of the correct size and length of heat shrink over the two ends of the wire
    Soldering repair includes a small overlap of the two splice ends
    Soldering repair includes a splice clip if needed
    Soldering repair includes the correct amount of insulation removed from the wire
    Soldering repair includes a uniform amount of solder applied to the joint
    Soldering repair includes heat shrink over the splice joint
    Soldering repair includes heat shrink that has not been overheated

  9. Summarize the function and operation of battery, starting, and charging system parts and components
    Assessment Strategies
    Test
    Criteria
    Explain the function of batteries, charging system parts, and components
    Explain the function of starting system parts and components
    Describe the operation of batteries
    Describe the operation of charging system parts and components
    Describe the operation of starting system parts and components

  10. Interpret electrical system diagrams and flow charts
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in shop, scenario, verbal
    Criteria
    Correlate diagrams and charts for the assigned piece of equipment
    Interpret the electrical wiring diagram and flow chart
    Diagnose electrical system problem on piece of equipment
    Identify the shown schematic symbol by name
    Describe additional means of showing a particular symbol
    Locate the component that is represented by the symbol on a piece of equipment
    Describe the function and operation of the component as it relates to circuit operation
    Identify sub circuits within starting system
    Color code sub circuits
    Describe operation of the circuit starting at the battery and ending at the starter motor
    Interpret electrical/electronic symbols
    Color code each specific circuit using different colors for different scenarios

  11. Perform maintenance and service on tractor and equipment battery systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Perform a visual inspection and description of the general appearance of the battery, cables, terminals, hold-downs, and boxes
    Check the tightness of the cables at both ends and describe the condition
    Perform a battery leakage test
    Record meter readings and an explanation of what is indicated by the readings
    Perform a battery voltage test
    Record meter readings and summarize the condition of the battery based upon the visual inspection and test
    Describe the equipment being worked on
    Record battery specifications and arrangement
    Remove, clean, and replace batteries in a single and multiple battery system
    Perform a battery state of charge test using a refractometer and determine the specific gravity of each cell
    Compare cell readings to determine if a load test should be performed
    Determine the correct load to be placed on battery
    Perform battery capacity (load, high discharge) test and determine needed service
    Perform a three-minute charge test if battery failed load test
    Make recommendations on battery condition and reusability
    Apply procedures for disposal of batteries and battery electrolyte
    Clean, repair, and replace battery cables and connectors
    Charge battery using slow and/or fast method on single battery, multiple batteries, series hookup, and/or parallel hookup
    Clean, repair, and replace battery boxes, mounts, and hold downs
    Jump start a vehicle using jumper cables and a booster pack or auxiliary power unit
    Install the correct battery in equipment or vehicle
    Connect battery(s) according to your battery arrangement diagram
    Verify correct battery performance while in equipment or vehicle

  12. Perform maintenance on starting systems
    Assessment Strategies
    Test, skill demonstration in shop
    Criteria
    Diagnose the tractor or vehicle starting system
    Service the tractor or vehicle starting system
    Repair the tractor or vehicle starting system
    Test and check starter relays and switches
    Starting system performs according to manufacturer's specifications